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Why is intensity required here?

Physics Asked by TheQuestioner on July 19, 2021

Q)A point source of light is placed at the centre of curvature of a hemispherical surface. The radius of curvature is r and the inner surface is completely reflecting. Find the force on the hemisphere due to the light falling on it if the source emits a power W.

I tried attempting this question as follows:$$F=frac{Delta p}{Delta t}$$
$$F= frac{2E}{cDelta t}$$
(since $p=frac{h}{lambda}$ and $E=frac{hc}{lambda}$)
$$=frac{2WDelta t}{cDelta t} $$
$$F=frac{2W}{c}$$

However, this answer is wrong and is correctly attempted as follows:

enter image description here

$$I=frac{W}{4pi r^2}$$
$$dE=frac{I ds}{4pi r^2}$$
$$dF=frac{dE}{C}$$
By symmetry net force on hemisphere is along x,
$$dF=intfrac{2WdA costheta}{4pi r^2c}$$
$$dF=frac{2W int dA cos theta}{4pi r^2c}$$
$$dF=frac{W}{2c}$$
Which is different from what I attempted. Why is intensity taken in the official answer and why is my answer wrong?

One Answer

(I don't have enough rep to comment)

The equation that you have used is derived for normal incidence (specifically for elastic collision assuming light as a particle).

Correct answer by EVO on July 19, 2021

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